These Instant Pot Barbecue Ribs are sticky, saucy, savory, sweet, and sooo tender. Fall-off-the-bone tender. They’re done in 30 minutes, with only 6 simple ingredients. The recipe includes a how-to video and lots of tips.
Easy Instant Pot Barbecue Ribs Recipe
Baby back ribs have been my favorite comfort food for years, so I started making them at home. But to be honest, sometimes outdoor grilling isn’t an option, so I decided to try to make them in the Instant Pot. The Instant Pot Barbecue Ribs turned out finger-lickin’ good!
The best part is that they are steamed to perfection in minutes, not hours!!
At first, I was a bit worried that they wouldn’t get nice, crunchy, and brown, but the magic happens after a few minutes under the broiler. They turn into these gorgeous looking, tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection!!
Sooo good; there are not enough words to describe it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
You’ll need only 6 ingredients:
- Baby back ribs
- Barbecue meat rub (homemade or store-bought)
- Vegetable broth
- Apple juice
- Liquid smoke (optional but recommended)
- Barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
My Favorite Homemade Barbecue Meat Rub
Mix together:
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Best Type Of Ribs To Make Barbecue Ribs
I prefer baby back ribs because they are smaller and more tender. However, you can also use spare ribs if you prefer them to be bigger and meatier.
Process Overview: How To Make Ribs in The Instant Pot Step-by-Step
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
The beauty of this recipe is that these ribs are done in the Instant Pot. The result is a delicious, succulent, fall-off-the-bone rib meal.
- Remove The Membrane From The Back Of The Ribs
Insert a table knife under the silverskin anywhere along the rack. Lift and loosen it with the knife until you can grab it with a paper towel. Pull it off the ribs; it should peel away in one large piece, but if it breaks, repeat step one.
- Season The Ribs
Rub the ribs with the meat rub. Be generous!
- Pressure Cook
Place the ribs into the Instant Pot. Add vegetable broth, apple juice, and liquid smoke (if using). Close the lid and set it to cook on “manual” mode for 20 minutes. When the time is over, turn it off and let the pressure release on its own, this will take about 8-10 minutes. Carefully turn the vent to “Venting,” to release any extra pressure that might still be in there. Then remove the lid.
- Crisp On
Preheat oven to broil. Transfer cooked ribs to a large baking sheet. Brush barbecue sauce all over the ribs on all sides, including the bones. Broil for 5 – 8 minutes, or until the sauce caramelizes.
How To Remove Membrane From The Back Of Ribs
- Insert a table knife under the silverskin anywhere along the rack. Lift and loosen it with the knife until you can grab it with a paper towel.
- Pull it off the ribs; it should peel away in one large piece, but if it breaks, repeat step one.
Can I Make Two Racks Of Ribs In The Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make two racks. To do so, double the meat rub and barbecue sauce quantity, but keep the same amount of liquid (broth, apple juice, and liquid smoke) underneath. Increase the cooking time to 30 minutes.
Pressure Cooking Times for Ribs
It will depend on how you like your ribs! Adjust the Instant Pot cooking time according to your preference:
- 15 minutes for tender with a bit of chew,
- 20 minutes for tender but not falling off the bone,
- 25 minutes to fall off the bone ribs.
Broil For Crisp & Caramelized Ribs
After the ribs are finished cooking in the Instant Pot, you only need to smother the ribs with plenty of BBQ sauce and throw ’em on the broil to get that beautiful char and smoky flavor.
Don’t skip this step! So brush them with BBQ sauce and place them under the broiler for 5 – 8 minutes, or until the sauce caramelizes.
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Recipe Card 📖
Instant Pot Barbecue Ribs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 rack baby back ribs (about 2.5 – 3 lb | 1.1 – 1.5 kg)
- 4 – 6 tablespoons barbecue meat rub (store-bought or homemade) (see notes below for homemade)
- 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) apple juice
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) liquid smoke (optional but recommended) (see notes)
- 1 ½ cup (360 ml) barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
Important
Don’t forget to check out the step-by-step photos above in the post—they’ll guide you through the process and make everything super clear!
Instructions
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. To do so, insert a table knife under the silverskin anywhere along the rack. Lift and loosen it with the knife until you can grab it with a paper towel. Pull it off the ribs; it should peel away in one large piece, but if it breaks, lift it up again and remove the rest.
- Rub the ribs with the meat rub on all sides. Be generous!
- Place the ribs rack into the Instant Pot. Add vegetable broth, apple juice, and liquid smoke (if using). Close the lid and set it to cook on “manual” mode for 20 minutes. When the time is over, let the pressure release on its own, this will take about 8-10 minutes. Carefully turn the vent to “Venting,” just to release any extra pressure that might still be in there. Then remove the lid.
- Preheat oven to broil.
- Transfer the cooked ribs to a large baking sheet. Brush barbecue sauce all over the ribs, including the bones. Broil for 5 – 8 minutes, or until the sauce caramelizes. Serve and enjoy!
Video
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 15 minutes for tender with a bit of chew,
- 20 for tender but not falling off the bone,
- 25 minutes to fall off the bone ribs.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
This recipe was originally published in June 2017. The recipe remains the same, but more notes, tips, photos, and information were added to the post in March 2023 to make it as helpful as possible!
We made these ribs again today. Once again, we absolutely love this. My husband and I highly recommend this recipe!! Delicious, tender, juicy every time. Easy and helpful instructions and guidelines. Thank you again VERY much Oriana!
Hello Dianna! We made these very often at home. We all love them, and the recipe is sooo easy. So glad you and your family enjoyed this recipe. Thanks so much for trying my recipe and taking the time to come back and let me know!
We love this recipe. Delicious every time. Simple and helpful instructions and tips. Thank you VERY much Oriana!
Hello Dianna! I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that you love the recipe and that it turns out delicious every single time! 🌟 It’s wonderful to know that the instructions and tips have been helpful for you. Your kind words truly mean a lot—thank you so much for your appreciation! 😊 It’s my pleasure to share recipes that bring joy to your kitchen. If you ever need more recipes or tips, feel free to reach out.
My son says these are the best ribs he has ever had! I am whole food plant based so I didn’t try them. Sent the recipe to my neice.
Hello Michelle! I am so glad you son love it. Thanks a lot for the review and good feedback.
We loved the ribs! Best ever. Will definitely cook again!! Thank you!!
Hi Wanda! We LOVE this recipe too and make it pretty regularly. Great to hear that it was a hit! Thanks a lot for the review and good feedback.
This recipe was my second time using the Instant Pot. I was doubtful they would turn out very good, but I was very surprised! The ribs were so good and very tender. My husband was so pleased – he said they were super and told me I should cook more tomorrow night 🙂 Thanks for a wonderful recipe.
Hello Dianne! It sounds like you nailed it! Thanks so much for trying my recipe and taking the time to come back and let me know.
Really a good easy recpie.
Hello Denise! I’m glad you found it easy to make =)
I love barbecue ribs but have never tried them at home. Now that you have provideda recipe. I am saving it and will make it after lockdown is over.
Hello Monidipa! These are soooo easy to make and sooo delish. Hope you give it a try soon. Thanks for your interest in my recipe. Please come back and let me know how you like it =)
Third time making these ribs! Awesome and easy!
Hello Daniel! Wow, what a compliment =) I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and let me know!
These were fabulous. No standing over a hot grill for hours. Here in Arizona, it’s HOT in the summer, and the instant pot is a great way to get delicious meals without heating up the kitchen. I loved these. Will definitely
make them again.
Hello Teree!! Sounds like you nailed it. We love the ribs and make this recipe often. I’m SO GLAD you loved it too. Thank you for taking the time to come back and let me know! =)
Easy and delicious
Hello Denise! Thanks so much for your feedback and for trying my recipe.